CAD: Computer Aided Design is an umbrella term for applications which are able to produce 2D or 3D designs, for our use-case we will focus on 3D apps.
Parametric modelling: The mental model in which most CAD applications works, first by sketching a design in 2D, with a set of parameters and constrains, and then using tools such as extrusion or revolve to convert that 2D sketch into a 3D model. By using multiple sketches (sometimes referring to each other) it is possible to model very complicated parts in a non-linear workflow.
CSG: Constructive Solid Geometry is an alternative process to create 3D models, it uses basic 3D shapes as primitives, and combine them using boolean (or more complex) operations.
Non-linear: aka non-destructive refers to workflows in which is possible to go back and change some fundamental aspects of the design, and the application will take care of reconstructing all subsequent changes as they were before, without us having to do the manual work again.
Chamfer: Making an edge cut (so it becomes 2 less pronounced edges).
Linear extrusion: Taking a 2D shape and project it so it creates a 3D object, for example a square becoming a cube.
Circular extrusion: Taking a 2D shape and rotate it (around a fixed axis) so it creates a 3D object, for example a circle becomes a torus (donut). This is commonly used to create bottles, tubes, etc.
Loft: Connecting a 2D shape to another 2D shape, so they become a 3D object, for example a circle lofting to a cross-shape becomes a screwdriver.
Mesh: A collection of connected 3D points in space, usually connected as triangles, which represent a 3D object. As for example a polygonal dinosaur in a videogame. Meshes are commonly used when representing the same shape with basic abstractions is not possible, or as universal 3D format that any 3D app can understand (.stl).
CAD: Computer Aided Design is an umbrella term for applications which are able to produce 2D or 3D designs, for our use-case we will focus on 3D apps.
Parametric modelling: The mental model in which most CAD applications works, first by sketching a design in 2D, with a set of parameters and constrains, and then using tools such as extrusion or revolve to convert that 2D sketch into a 3D model. By using multiple sketches (sometimes referring to each other) it is possible to model very complicated parts in a non-linear workflow.
CSG: Constructive Solid Geometry is an alternative process to create 3D models, it uses basic 3D shapes as primitives, and combine them using boolean (or more complex) operations.
Non-linear: aka non-destructive refers to workflows in which is possible to go back and change some fundamental aspects of the design, and the application will take care of reconstructing all subsequent changes as they were before, without us having to do the manual work again.
Solid geometry: A 3D shape that is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manifold], or in other words, an object that is not accidentally hollow.
Fillet: Making an edge round.
Chamfer: Making an edge cut (so it becomes 2 less pronounced edges).
Linear extrusion: Taking a 2D shape and project it so it creates a 3D object, for example a square becoming a cube.
Circular extrusion: Taking a 2D shape and rotate it (around a fixed axis) so it creates a 3D object, for example a circle becomes a torus (donut). This is commonly used to create bottles, tubes, etc.
Loft: Connecting a 2D shape to another 2D shape, so they become a 3D object, for example a circle lofting to a cross-shape becomes a screwdriver.
Mesh: A collection of connected 3D points in space, usually connected as triangles, which represent a 3D object. As for example a polygonal dinosaur in a videogame. Meshes are commonly used when representing the same shape with basic abstractions is not possible, or as universal 3D format that any 3D app can understand (
.stl).